Difference between Mandolin & Guitar chords? ...Any expert!

Hello everyone!

I am a university student and joined a band of the university. I like music and play the guitar as well but there are already two guitarists in the band so, they don't need more guitarist but a guy who can play the Mandolin. I heard that there is a little difference between the guitar chords and Mandolin chords so, I thought I could play the Mandolin as well by learning a little.

Is there anyone who knows the difference between the chords of guitar and Mandolin?

I'm also looking for an affordable good quality Mandolin for myself to begin learning it. I liked Kentucky KM256 Mandolin & The Loar LM-520 VS Mandolin ( https://bestazy.com/best-mandolins/ ) but I have no experience of it and I need to choose only one so if someone knows about Mandolin. Kindly, suggest me a good option to choose.

Thank you!

Hello and warm welcome Alissa.
Lovely to see you found us.
This is a tiny tiny tiny forum, an offshoot of the Old Project Avalon where some of us used to dwell
in some past glorious days.
The Mists have become a place where it seems our public likes to read a lot but say very little.
They would rather study than express themselves. Which is fine with us.
We had musicians here in the past and they maybe could have helped you in your quest.
But they have gone by now .It may take some time before we see them again.
I myself have been called to some other areas of interest to me these days and my presence here has become less.

Wishing you well.

Love from me
mudra

Thanks

Aloha Alissa. Love the Mandolin and am so impressed with your desire to learn how to play it. Not sure where you can get the info you seek. The best of luck to you in your search.

You can search in Amazon for what you are looking for and read the customer reviews.

There are some reviews here: https://www.amazon.com/Loar-LM-520-VS-Performer-F-Style-Mandolin/product-reviews/B004WDQ4U6

The Loar LM-520-VS Performer F-Style Mandolin
5 stars An inspiring instrument
May 1, 2018
Color: Sunburst

I wasn't really interested in bluegrass when I bought this, but it is a really is an inspiring instrument. I bought this because I was playing in a band with several other guitarist. I kept capoing up around the 12th fret to get out of their range. I was looking for a short-scaled guitar that was tuned an octave higher when I realized, "hey, they make those, they are called mandolins!" It really is a lot of fun and coming from guitar, it makes sense. Yes, it is tuned differently, but I think that is also a benefit when trying to get out of guitar territory. My only real complaint is that is doesn't have a pickup, but you will be hard pressed to find a mandolin with a pickup in this price range. I ended up micing it to cut through the drums and bass.

The fit and finish are nice. It could be better. I have a Taylor 810ce and this is definitely not as nice, but then again the Taylor costs six times more. The finish inside the scroll is a bit rough, but it's only noticeable when you are looking in there close up. Also some of the binding isn't perfect. It's still a beautiful instrument, but it does have flaws. It's what I would expect in this price range.

The playability is nice. I didn't really have the luxury to shop around a play a lot of different mandolins. I settled on this one based on reviews and I am not disappointed. I don't have a lot to compare it to. I had a super cheap Johnson that I was practicing on until I bought this one. It was terrible. My philosophy was to build calluses with a horrible setup so I'd be prepared to play this. Compared to that, this mandolin is a dream.

~~~~~

Hola! Music A Style Mandolin Instrument with Adjustable Truss-Rod Model HM-3TS, Glossy Sunburst Finish
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MM7AMN4/ref=sspa_dk_detail_2?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B00MM7AMN4&pd_rd_w=R9O25&pf_rd_p=f0dedbe2-13c8-4136-a746-4398ed93cf0f&pd_rd_wg=cy8aW&pf_rd_r=0M1QACHJ06EPR761D0E3&pd_rd_r=9d1c1f3e-10e2-11e9-a4fb-b1d8f98b2ea8

5 stars Nice!!!!! All around.
September 30, 2018
Color: SunburstVerified Purchase
Sweet little mandolin!!!!!! As a owner of several upper end mandolins.... Gibson.. fender and two loars... I went on an unexpected trip that ended up with me having to stay longer than I expected. I hadn't taken any of my mandolins with me and now was 2000 miles away from them and needed a Mando fix.... Instead of paying to have one of mine shipped to me I figured I'd just buy a cheap one and not worry about even taking it back home with me.. yet now to my surprise... All I can say is ... SWEET!!! this little inexpensive (not cheap) Mando will go home with me. It really is and was a shock to me how nice this little Mando is made and looks, but mostly plays. I'm HIGHLY SATISFIED!!!! Be sure, as with any new instrument purchase new strings. The ones on it and all new units should be replaced. I did purchase the bag as well from Hola and they didn't skimp on the quality there either. I highly recommend and would buy again. And this one will be added to my collection. Thank you Hola for your honesty....